Minneapolis–St. Paul, Minnesota — Multiple rounds of light snow, increasing winds, and much colder air are expected to impact Minnesota from Thursday through the weekend, creating travel hazards and dangerous wind chills.
According to the National Weather Service Twin Cities office, light snow will occur in several rounds today and Friday, with total snowfall of 1 to 4 inches expected across much of the region by early Saturday morning. The first round is forecast Thursday midday, followed by another round Thursday night into early Friday, and scattered snow showers through the day Friday.
Forecasters warn that strong northwest winds will develop Friday, with gusts of 40 to 50 miles per hour possible in open areas of western and southern Minnesota. These winds are expected to cause blowing snow and reduced visibility, leading to hazardous travel conditions Friday into Friday night, especially on rural highways.
Behind the snow and wind, much colder air will settle in for the weekend. High temperatures are expected to drop into the single digits Saturday, with highs only in the teens Sunday. Wind chills are forecast to fall to 15 to 25 degrees below zero, particularly across western Minnesota, where frostbite can occur in as little as 30 minutes.
The National Weather Service advises residents to limit outdoor exposure, dress in layers, and ensure vehicles are winter-ready. Drivers should be prepared for rapidly changing visibility and slick roads, especially during the Friday commute.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve early next week, but cold temperatures will linger into Monday.
